Policy Checklist

The Western Regional Center for Drug-Free Schools and Communities (n.d.) has developed a policy checklist to assist schools in developing and maintaining effective prevention policies:

Policy Checklist

Instructions: Please indicate a yes or no or the approximate percentage of implementation for each item listed below.

		YES	NO	%
Administrative
1	The school board has selected a policy committee to integrate school security, violence prevention and fostering resiliency into existing school policy.
2	Members of the policy committee include parents, students, support staff, teachers and administrators.
3	A procedure for involving law enforcement, local prosecutors, juvenile justice and human services professionals in the development is included.
4	The district's legal counsel reviews the policy annually to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal laws.
5	The district policy is provided to parents, students, staff and community annually.
6	There is an employee policy as well as a student policy
Policy Support
1	Administrators and teachers know the policy and support it.
2	Parents and students know the policy and support it.
3	Community agencies, especially law enforcement and juvenile justice systems, know the policy and support it.
4	Policy is viewed by school, parents, and students as fairly enforced.
5	Policy is viewed by all as protective as well as disciplinary.
6	The violence prevention programs and school security programs outlined in policy are integrated into existing TAOD (Tobacco, Alcohol, and Other Drugs) prevention programs and they are supported by faculty and students.
7	The student assistance program outlined in policy is accepted by faculty, staff, parents and students.
8	The student assistance program provides support, anger and crisis management, and conflict resolution.
9	Faculty, staff, and parent volunteers are available to monitor halls, restrooms, and school-sponsored events.
10	Faculty, staff and students know what to do if there is an intruder on campus.
11	Faculty, staff and students know what to do if they suspect a student of selling/possessing an illegal substance.
12	Faculty, staff and students know what to do if they suspect a student of carrying or concealing weapons.
13	Faculty, staff and students know what to do if they suspect a student is under the influence of an illegal substance.
14	Faculty, staff and students know what to do if they suspect student(s) of becoming a victim or a perpetrator of violence, including suicide.
15	Students in co-curricular activities agree to the co-curricular policy.
16	Faculty, staff and students know what to do if there is an emergency in progress.
Philosophy
1	The philosophy offers a rationale for drug-free schools.
2	The philosophy offers a rationale for a solution-based approach to education with an emphasis on utilizing protective factors to foster the resiliency of children and youth.
3	The philosophy offers a rationale for a solution-based approach to education with an emphasis on fostering intercultural harmony between staff and students.
Policy
1	Does the policy clearly indicate that possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol are prohibited on school property or as part of any school activities?
2	Does the policy include definitions for:
	illicit drugs
	possession
	look alikes
	paraphernalia
	intoxicants
	weapons
	assault
	gang colors & clothing
	hand signals & signs
	intimidation and harassment
	sexual harassment
	vandalism
	graffiti
	emergency
3	Does the policy clearly indicate that the use of illicit drugs and the unlawful possession and use of alcohol is wrong and harmful?
4	Does the policy clearly establish zero tolerance for harassment, violence, and weapons?
5	Does the policy indicate that compliance with the policy is mandatory for students, faculty, and staff?
Administrative Procedures
1	Does the policy clearly indicate the sanctions for students or employees for violation of the use, possession, distribution policy?
2	Do the sanctions above include suspension, expulsion, and termination of employment?
3	Does the policy include reduction in discipline for certain behaviors, e.g., agreement to undergo an assessment?
4	Do the students and employees know their rights to receive notice of the charges, to a hearing, to have counsel at the hearing, to appeal?
5	Do administrators, faculty, staff know the procedures and extent to which they should search a student or employee or their possessions?
6	Do administrators, faculty and staff know the procedures for confiscating suspected substances or weapons?
7	In addition to rights above, do students and employees know of their rights to timely reporting and disposition of charges filed against them?
8	Does the policy clearly indicate under what circumstances police will be called?
9	If there is a separate attendance policy, is it repeated or referred to in the alcohol and drug policy and the violence prevention section?
Prevention
1	Does the policy include the implementation of age-appropriate, developmentally-based TAOD and violence prevention programs for students in all grades?
2	Do the programs above address the legal, social and health consequences of TAOD use as well as violence issues?
3	Do the programs above provide information about effective techniques for resisting negative peer pressure?
4	Do the programs above provide information about effective strategies to use positive peer pressure?
5	Does the policy include training for faculty in teaching prevention education programs?
6	Does the policy include training for faculty in managing angry, isolated and disaffected youth?
Intervention and Referral
1	Does the district have a comprehensive student assistance program which includes violence prevention?
2	Does the district allow faculty and staff to intervene when there are signs and symptoms of potential substance abuse, but not clear evidence of use?
3	Does the district allow faculty and staff to intervene when there are signs and symptoms of potential violence?
4	Are there procedures for parents and students to refer themselves to a student assistance program?
5	Are faculty and staff trained in identifying signs and symptoms of potential substance abuse, or potential violence?
6	Does the district provide information about any available AOD and anti-violence counseling and rehabilitation and re-entry programs that are available to students and employees?
7	Does the district provide support services to students returning from assessment, juvenile corrections or AOD treatment?
8	Are there support groups for students seeking help with substance abuse, violent or inappropriate behavior, or other problems of living?
9	Are there clear requirements for confidentiality of student records and involvement in a student assistance program?
Co-Curricular activities
1	Is there a rationale for additional behavioral requirements for students involved in co-curricular activities?
2	Does the policy include all co-curricular activities, not just athletics?
Biennial review
1	The policy includes a statement that the policy will be reviewed biennially:
	To determine program effectiveness
	To ensure that the sanctions above are consistently enforced.

Courtesy of the Western Center for Drug-Free Schools and Communities, Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, Portland, Oregon.

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